Summation will make you think ... by Auren Hoffman ... since 1997 ...

Feb 03, 2005

on religion

After just celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah, I have been thinking a lot about religion....

In the U.S., parents generally no longer determine a child's profession, whom they marry, where they live, what they study, who their friends are, etc. … but parents still determine their child's religion -- arguable one of the most important aspects of someone's life and soul. why?

there are many great religions out there -- why are most people's religion chosen by one's parents?

and though some religions simultaneous act as cultures -- like the Jewish culture -- culture is much different then religion. culture is much more about your background and where your ancestors came from -- and one should celebrate that. but religion is much more about who *you* are.

Now many people change their religion or convert to a new religion then their parents -- but they are a very small minority. The biggest predictor of a person's religion is what their parents' religion is (and the only time people tend to change their religion is right before marriage). That's not as true in profession, field of study, favorite hobbies, favorite authors, or even political party.

Comments

on religion

After just celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah, I have been thinking a lot about religion....

In the U.S., parents generally no longer determine a child's profession, whom they marry, where they live, what they study, who their friends are, etc. … but parents still determine their child's religion -- arguable one of the most important aspects of someone's life and soul. why?

there are many great religions out there -- why are most people's religion chosen by one's parents?

and though some religions simultaneous act as cultures -- like the Jewish culture -- culture is much different then religion. culture is much more about your background and where your ancestors came from -- and one should celebrate that. but religion is much more about who *you* are.

Now many people change their religion or convert to a new religion then their parents -- but they are a very small minority. The biggest predictor of a person's religion is what their parents' religion is (and the only time people tend to change their religion is right before marriage). That's not as true in profession, field of study, favorite hobbies, favorite authors, or even political party.